The installation cost AUD$65,000 (£45,000). Officials had agreed to a one-month trial, with the possibility for keeping the crossing permanently, but today construction works began to remove it.

Officials announced that it would be dug up today for road safety reasons, and said it would cost a further $30,000 (£25,000) to have it removed.

The New South Wales roads minister, Duncan Gay, said: “This trial crossing was a gesture extended to Sydney’s gay and lesbian community to honour the 35th anniversary of Mardi Gras. But behaviour we have seen has set off alarm bells at the high risk of injuries and fatalities at this crossing, with more than 15 incidents in a month.”

The Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, said the crossing was ”a very powerful symbol to say Sydney is an inclusive city.”

“I’m incredibly disappointed that we’re going to have to spend $30,000 removing something that is a beautiful piece of public art and is very good for the local economy of the area,” she added.